Alexander Volkanovski Talks Decision To Fight Islam Makhachev On 11 Days Notice

Alex Volkanovski was actually holding his lovable new child Reign when he acquired the decision — Charles Oliveira was out and Islam Makhachev wanted an opponent — and the 145 lb. champ virtually immediately knew it was time for daddy to go to work!

Volkanovski joined Michael Babcock on the “TMZ Sports activities” TV present (airs each day on FS1) on Wednesday … the place Alex “The Nice” talked concerning the telephone name he acquired late final week from his supervisor.

“I feel I would’ve had Reign, my latest addition to my household, my new child Reign,” Alex stated … “I would’ve been holding her, and [my manager] will get on the telephone and says, ‘Mate, you would not imagine it.’ And I am like, ‘What’s up?’ Didn’t cross my thoughts one bit. I am pondering it is for one thing else. He goes, ‘It is wanting like Charles is not going to make it they usually want somebody.'”

Volkanovski was clearly shocked … and after conferring along with his coach, Joe Lopez, and spouse Emma, the choice was clear — we have a battle in lower than two weeks, and it is happening midway internationally.

After all, Makhachev was initially scheduled to battle Oliveira — a rematch of UFC 280 (Islam gained by 2nd spherical submission).

In some methods, Volkanovski, who misplaced by unanimous choice to Islam in February (though many individuals assume he really gained), believes the shortage of a coaching camp might really be useful.

“I am feeling good. I am excited. That is one factor that I’ve taken out of all this complete factor, clearly, it is loopy. However man, it is gonna be enjoyable. I do not assume I’ve ever been this excited for a battle.

“Clearly you get excited, however you undergo camp, and camp might be exhausting. Mentally and bodily exhausting fascinated with the battle the entire time. Now I haven’t got time for that. As quickly as I heard about it I had a smile on my face and it hasn’t gone away even till now.”